Page 25 of Sweet Dreams

Antheia shrugged. “I’m not exactly sure. I’m guessing that’s why Arafel came here this year, instead of Albtraum going to Castle Fel.”

Interesting. “I guess I should go find out what is going on. Surely, I was called home for something.”

I barely got the words out before a sharp tingle raced across my skin and down my fingertips. I only had time to close my eyes before I was yanked back into the shadows of the living room. When my vision cleared, I was standing in the Core, our tribe’s center of the village. It was cleared of all other visitors today, save one very large, imposing male.

“Lord Arafel,” I said, quickly dropping into a bow. The demon was Lucifer’s son and the ruler of the Dream Realm of Underworld, where we both resided and worked. I had been working for him since Lulu’s dreams had cut me off. And, while it was no surprise to see him, it still brought me to my knees every time. The male was kind, honest and, usually, easy to work with. But, he was still Lucifer’s son and held our very existence in his clawed hands.

“Zaldi, please, stand,” Arafel stood from his chair, “I apologize for the crude call, but I rarely have the chance to use these shadow pulls any longer.”

I cocked my head but didn’t ask any questions. My eldest brother, Albtraum, was seated at his side and I had the distinct impression that he didn’t want me to talk any more than he absolutely had to.

“It was no problem, my Lord,” I said finally, when Arafel just continued to smile and wait.

“Good,” Arafel said. “We have an important question for you, something that could not wait. Hence, why we pulled you back to the Underworld.”

“I’m your loyal servant, as always,” I said softly. Albtraum shifted in his seat, but didn’t look my way again. As the oldest sibling and the next in line to be chief, a role he was already acting as, Albtraum was constantly distressed at how untraditional we all were. First, with Traum mating a human woman in the living world. And now me, following him to Salus Glen to chase my own future.

“We have been experiencing an unheard of amount of power from your people. First, we suspected Trauma and Bailey, but this far exceeds what just one couple must produce, even with Traum’s ability to pull from dreams.”

I waited, unwilling to say anything until I knew what he was asking. He may be kind, but Arafel was still a demon king.

“My father has a suspicion, something that he’s kept close to the chest, until now. Of course, you know that all the creatures of the Underworld were either dreamed up from the living humans or designed by the seraphim and demons with the intention of becoming their own people.”

I nodded.

“But, the tie to their makers remains. And, with more people dreaming up traditionally scary type creatures, like the mahrs or the minotaur, the Underworld has a wealthy host of creatures who consider themselves Other. Most live here in the Underworld.” Arafel shifted, leaning in, “But, not all.”

“I’m not sure I follow, my Lord,” I said softly.

“There may have been a reason we were drawn to Salus Glen. Your brother is quite literally attracted to power and since he has settled there, the power has been growing. First, with your own brush of a fated mate. Then, by the simple fact that there must be Others there. Their proximity to Traum and you, even someone who doesn’t like to dream walk, may be calling them to you both. You are still a siphon of power.”

Albtraum was staring at Arafel now, “You think Salus Glen is becoming a sort of supernatural hot spot?”

Arafel’s shoulder rose and fell. “It appears so. And, while I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth, I also need to be sure that we are not the only ones in the town who are growing in power. Our enemies are cunning and vindictive. They will not shy off from hurting the living souls to get to what they want.”

“What can I do?”

“I’m going to connect you with the sheriff there, one of my most trusted advisors. The two of you should do some digging into each of the Others in town. We need to find out what they are doing there. Did they come for the safety of the town? Or, is there more that we need to know?”

I nodded, “That’s not a problem.” Giddy relief swept through my body. I wasn’t being dragged home yet. I could go back to her, to Lulu.

Arafel’s fanged smile caught my attention, “You know, if you were to find a mate, you would only need to make a formal request to remain by her side,” he shrugged, “Or his. Excuse me, I do not know the details.”

“Hers,” I said quietly, a smile pulling at my mouth before I could stop it. “And, I will let you know. I need to convince her she’s in love with me first, my Lord.”

The big demon laughed, “You’re an incubus. I have every faith you will find a way.” He pointed at me, “Then, you come talk to me. You have served me well, Zaldi, and I wish the best for you.”

The conversation moved onwards and I was excused shortly after with the promise that Arafel’s shadows would drop me back into the living world after an evening meal with my family.

I was going back.

I had an assignment, but I had more than that. I had a path forward, and it was taking me straight back to her.

Chapter Seven

Lulu

“One more time, slowly now,” I said patiently, watching my grandfather pace across the kitchen. “You want me to do what?”